Learning by Heart

This is an excellent book for a teacher looking for inspiration to new heights in the profession. Barth, while at times a bit unrealistic, strikes at the heart of what teachers need to understand about leardership and how to tap this resource within ourselves.

Barth shares the need for experiential learning, craft knowledge and reflection. He encourages the leader to participate in self-renewal by creating a team of followers through a process of decentralization. A connection between learning and leading is established to increase commitment by working towards changing the mindset of others. The book reemphasized the true need for collaboration and cooperation, as both are instrumental in the change process for campus improvement. Decision making by all parties increased the opportunity for more diverse ideas. Barth discussed the concept of "craft knowledge" or individual expertise that teachers possessed. Professionals brought with them their "massive collection of experiences." Efforts were made to ensure these rich sources were shared and not kept behind classroom doors.As a practicing educator, I found aspects of Barth's book informative and helpful.

Completely inspiring! Barth has a way of connecting to the hearts and minds of both educators and policymakers. The tension that exists between those involved in policy, and those within schools should be discussed openly, as it is here. He opens with a Robert Frost quote that sums up the role of the educator (or should!): "What is done is done for the love of it--or not really done at all." If we love children and schools enough we'll take time to listen to some of the suggestions in this book, and others like it. The chapter I liked best was chapter six, "Craft Knowledge". Craft knowledge, as Barth defines it, is the "massive collection of experiences and learnings that those who live and work under the roof of the schoolhouse inevitably accrue during their careers". It's important for Ed researchers, policymakers, and educators to make full use of these insights. I am in grad school for Sec. Ed./ Ed policy, and this has been perhaps the best book I've read so far. It's a quick read, and helps spark your passion for many issues relating to education.

I'm a fourth year educator teaching in a high poverty inner city school. My heart and soul drove me to become a teacher. As budget cuts threaten jobs, tests scores undermined the craft of educating, and top-down appraoches oppress new growth--I'm feeling stiffled. I've really needed a reason to keep fighting after a school year like this one. Small blessings have come my way to challenge and empower me again to do what I'm passionate about: children, teaching, and life long learning. Rolands book "Learning by Heart" was a breath of fresh air and hope. Barth gives realistic solutions for bringing the "heart" back into our schools. The book began by focusing on what is happening in our schools using many real life examples. His solution isn't some new formuala, test, or expensive program that we are mandated to follow. He challenges us to become vessels of change and revolution in our own schools. He suggests that when we step up to be "teacher leaders" we will be able to become "architects, engineers, leaders, and designers of our own schools!" He addresses how the culture of a school dictates the way schools operate more than legislators or superintendents . Knowing this, Barth believes that "...the most difficult job of a school based reformer is to change the prevailing culture of a school." Barth gives practical ideas on how to build a positive community of educators and administrators. He emaphasized the importance of reflecting on our practice. A portion of the book presented an excellent and innovative Principleship Program. This book would be excellent for a book club because it addresses critical issues we deal with everyday. I was empowed when I read this book because it brought hope and a voice to many principles I hold valuable. Furthermore, I was inspired to take new risks in my school. All of us are experts in our craft and we need to utiliize that power. This book will inspire your journey of life-long learning by building community, developing leadership, risk-taking and celebrating the heroic small mircles we do everyday.

Learning By Heart is the answer to excellent education. This book is overflowing with powerful insight on making our schools successful. Roland Barth goes through his exploration and discoveries as an educator with much detail and explanation.This book is one that should be read by first year teachers as well as those who have been in the field for many years and are looking to improve their learning community. "What do you see, hear, and experience in the school? What don't you see and hear?" is an example of how Barth places focus on those important questions we need to ask ourselves when looking at a school's culture. Barth seems to walk you through your classroom and school to help look at the "big picture". This is not a book to read cover to cover in one sitting. You need to take time to reflect on his insight and apply it to your own situation. You need to take the questions he asks to "heart". It is through this exploration and reflection that he will bring you to the last section of his book where you may create, refine and grow a vision.I highly recommend this book to anyone who has their heart set on creating the best learning environment possible for children. I read this book for a graduate course and have been able to discover what I can do to continue to keep my heart in the field that I most love.